The Oregonian's online Voter Guide includes detailed information about all the candidates for local, state and federal office plus state and local measures.

It
also includes a close look at Portland's hotly contested mayoral race
with Charlie Hales and Jefferson Smith answering questions about
pressing topics at Portland City Hall.

Here -- in an excerpt pulled from the guide -- the two candidates address the thorny topic of parking in Northwest Portland.

Question: Another proposal likely to come from Mayor Sam Adams before his term
expires: parking meters in Northwest Portland. Do you support parking
meters along Northwest 21st and 23rd avenues and nearby side streets?
Why or why not?

Charlie Hales:
Not yet. I want to ensure we are not using any short-term measures
that will turn off residents or shoppers. I believe other steps are
needed before we install parking meters on NW 21st and 23rd. Another
approach I will look at is working with the hospital and Conway to
explore more options for shared use parking since they do not use every
single spot they have available.

Jefferson Smith:
I support the Northwest District Association’s compromise proposal.
From what I’ve seen, local businesses benefit when parking meters are
installed because they keep people moving and make it easier for
customers to find spaces to park. The proposal would allow employees of
neighborhood businesses to purchase permits, and it balances the needs
of residents and shopkeepers.
There’s been a lot of time spent on this issue, and though the proposal isn’t perfect, it’s time to move forward.